The Yenching Academy has forged ties with many academic institutions around the world as either Partner or Cooperating Universities. Partner Universities conduct a pre-selection process by carrying out preliminary evaluation of applications submitted by their own students. Based on this assessment, they nominate students for interviews conducted by the Yenching Academy. Students currently enrolled at Partner Universities are required to apply through their universities. Alumni of Partner Universities are also expected to apply through their universities; however, if their schools do not handle alumni applications, they may apply directly to Yenching Academy.

Cooperating Universities serve as a point of contact and source of information about the Yenching Academy, but as such they do not take part in the pre-selection process. Prospective students can seek advice and consultation from individuals at these institutions who are familiar with the Yenching Academy. Students and graduates from Cooperating Universities should apply directly through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal.

Students and alumni of universities that are not listed as Partner Universities or Cooperating Universities should apply directly through the Yenching Academy online admissions portal.

Special Advisor to the President/ Deputy Director General, Division of International Affairs Head, Department of Interdisciplinary Information Studies, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies